Several of the Atlanta Falcons' veteran players didn't practice on Thursday, but that's normal for a Wednesday during game week, which is what the coaching staff is treating Thursday as during a lengthened prep schedule for Monday Night Football against the New Orleans Saints.
The usual names - center Todd McClure, tight end Tony Gonzalez and defensive end John Abraham - sat out Thursday's sessions, while starting running back Michael Turner had the day off as well, nursing a lingering groin injury.
Among the freshly injured and recovering, cornerback Brent Grimes was listed as having "limited participation" Thursday as he recovers from knee surgery. He's expected to play Monday night against the Saints. Also limited was left tackle Will Svitek (groin), receiver Harry Douglas (groin), linebacker Curtis Lofton (ankle) and defensive tackle Corey Peters (knee). Linebacker Stephen Nicholas (toe) and backup running back Jason Snelling (illness) did not practice.
In New Orleans, the Saints held out four players - running back Mark Ingram (toe), linebacker Jonathan Vilma (knee), guard Jahri Evans (knee) and defensive tackle Sedrick Ellis (hamstring). Three Saints were limited on Thursday - linebacker Jonathan Casillas (knee), defensive tackle Aubrayo Franklin (ankle) and linebacker Ramon Humber (knee).
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